Adjustable writing implement



May-s; w25.

F. FUREDY ADJUSTABLE WRITING IMPLEMENT Filed Feb. 25 1924 .t buffi/$4.30 s.

Patented May '5, 1925.

UNITED STATES FRANK FUREDY, 0F NEW YORK, N. Y.

v ADJUSTAIBLE WRITING IMPLEMENT.

Application mea February 25, 1924. serial No. 694,990.

To a-ZZ whom it may concern;

Be it known that I, FRANK FUREDY, a citizen of the United States, and resident of New York city, in the county of New York and State-of New York, have invented certain new and Auseful Improvements in Adjustable Writing Implements, of which the following is a specification.

-My invention relates to writing implements of the class in which the marking element, such as a vlead, is adjustable, usually by longitudinal movement inv the -case or holder. The invention is broadly described as a writingimplement to include the possibility that a pen point or stylus point may be employed in some cases instead of a lead or crayon; but usually the writing elements or points in an implement vot this class are of .sorne grade of pencil lead or crayon, and the linvention structure will therefore be hereafter referred to as relating to pencils The general object of the'invention is to provide in a pencil of this class, two leads or crayons of different qualities, usually of different colors, with improved `means by which either may be easily and quickly projected to writing position while the other is retracted and concealed within the case.

Amore particular object is to accomplish this result by a very simple, strong and durable mechanism, and further .to preferably so arrange the parts that one of the leads maybe withdrawn and'the other projected by moving, usually rotating, a controlling ele'lnent such asa cap `or knob in one direction, and the last named lead may be retracted and the first one projected by movement'or rotation ofthe controlling element in the opposite direction, without the necessity for any particular care or attention-of the user, since the desired lead can be selected, or the leads interchanged, almost instantly by moderate movement of .the controlling element.

A further object is to preferably so construct the mechanism that the same controlling element notv only interchanges the leads but adjusts either ofV them when in working position, so that more or less of the lead protrudes beyond the' case lor the point thereof.

Y'A stilll further Objectis to provide means by which a' lead or either of them may not only be projected, but it may be positively withdrawn by manipulation ofthe same controlling element, and without the necessity.`

nection with other features ofthe invention,

as referred to above andy hereinafter.

lVhile structuresembodying the invention and attaining the'r above-"stated and other advantageous results may vary considerably, I have' selected as a representative embodiment of the invention, a single structure in which provision is made for the manipulation of two active leads in the genera-l manner above referred tol The invention in its broader'aspect is, however, not limited to the employment of two active leads. Some of the principles or struc-tural features ofthe invention are also evidently applicable with advantage to a single active lead, and in fact, the structure as `shown is fully operative when only one lead is inserted in a lead-holder o r grip; and C/'evidently therefore, the mechanism fortheI other active lead can in some cases be dispensed with.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention are further sufliciently explained in connection with the following detail description of the accompanyingI drawings, which show one exemplifying embodiment of the invention. After considering this embodiment, persons skilled in the art will understand that man variations may be made within the principles of the invention, and I contemplate the employment of any structures that are properly within the scope of the appended claims.

Figure 1v is a longitudinal section of a pencil embodying the invention in one form.

Figure 2 is a transverse section at 2-2, Fig. l.`

Figure 3'is an end view of a guiding and controlling member, which may be identified by these names, or as a body located or inserted in the main tubular structure or case. v

leads. Desirably, the lower end of the cas- Figure 4 is a side elevation lof the same with a part broken away to save space in the drawing.

Figure 5 is a transverse. section at 5-5, Fig. l.

.Figure 6 is cap with a part broken away.

The parts are contained or supported in.

a ltube 10 conveniently identified as a case or casing. In the upper portion of this is a Xed member 11, which may be identified as a controlling or guiding member, and which might be integral with the case, but for manufacturing convenience and economy is almost necessarily made separate, and asshown is in the general form of a cylinder which has a close sliding fit in the case, so that when pressed into position, usually withy its upper end flush with the upper end of the case, it stays in place and there is usually no necessity for providing a stop such as a shoulder within the case to limit the inward movement -of the guide member, although such a shoulder may be provided if desired, at about the point 12. Any suitable means may also be provided for preventing' upward displacement of the guide member, although such means is usually superfluous.

The guide member is so dimensioned as to leave the lower interior part of the case entirely unobstructed, forming a tubular chamber 14 which provides ample room for the lead holders or grips and the active ing consists in a detachable orscrew tip 15 of tapered form, this detachable tip permitting ready access to the lead grips (referred to hereafter) and facilitating in some cases the changing or replacement of the leads without any further detachment ofv parts, although in some cases the leads may be 'removed and replaced without detachment of the tip 15. y, In the point of the tip is a cylindrical bore 16 of substantial length, dimensioned to fit leads of a usual or desired sizewith fair closeness, although the pencil, structure is such that leads considerably` smaller than .the desired.

At diametrically opposite points the guide member 11 is bored longitudinally to provide two guide sleeves or tubular fonmations 18 and 19. In an inward surface of each o-f the sleeves is a guide or cam point-bore can be'used, if

K channel, identified as 20 for sleeve 18, and

21 for sleeve 19. Each of these guide channels includes a straight upper portion 23, which is usually parallel to the main axis of the pencil, and a similarly straight longitudinal portion '24. The upper portion is usually shorter than the lower portipn, and the two portions are ioined by an oblique or angular portion 25, 'the Walls of the chana -perspective view of the rotatable gear and gear carrier or innerl nel being suitably curved to afford a smooth movement of the controlled element in passing from the straight portions to and through the angular or cam portion of the channel. y

To provide for the convenient carrying of spare leads,l cylindrical holes 30 are bored longitudinally in the guiding member down to a point near its lower end.

In each of the sleeves 18 and 19 a cylindrical actuating member is inserted, identilied as 35 for cylinder 18, and 36 for cylinder 19. These actuating members may be conveniently identified by that name or in some cases, and especially in the claims, as imppllers Each of these impellers has a central longitudinal bore 37, and in each is formed a cam or screw ltrack or slot, 38 for member 35, and 39 for member 36. Each slot extends through the tubular impeller from its outer wall to the central bore. Each of the cam tracks has two portions of different slant or pitch, so that considering the cam track or slot as a screw, each' includes an upper portion 10 of moderate pitch, and alower portion 41 of much steeper pitch, these portions of the cam slots preferably corresponding approximately' in locationI and length to portions 20 and 24 of the guide channels in guide member 11.

lThe cam slots are of opposite pitch or lead y upper end of the bore of the impeller andv clamping the pinion tightly thereon. The

pinionsare of sufiicient d'iameter'so that they overlap` slightly the respective sleeves 18 and 19 and prevent downward displacement of the impellers 35 and 36, and upward displacement is prevented by a cap member referred to hereafter, or. in any other confyenient or suitable way.

A ring`50 is located against the upper end of case .10 and in thisl ring is provided or located `an internal gear 51 engaging the outward teeth of the pinions 45. The ring 50 and the gear are rotatively located and secured by a cap or sleeve-memberf52, which may have a continuous or unapertured top portion or may merely have a shallow marginal flange extending inward to about the pointllto overlie the upper margin ofthe ring. f

the cylindrical cap portionY 57 'is vbent oi;

pressed inward, forming an annular rib 59 engaging in the groove 58 to prevent inadvertent outward displacement of the cap; and to provide for convenient application and removal of the cap in assembling the device, or if it is necessary to disassembleit, the cylindrical portion 57 is desirably slotted longitudinally to divide it into resilient portions or iingers 60 which yield outward when the cap is put in position and will then cause the shallow flange member 59 to snap into the channel 58, and thereupon thc cap is rotatively secured and prevented from unintentional displacement.

Desirably, a central portion of the cap end is `cut out or left open to allow inspection of the pinions and to facilitate the proper positioning of the gear 51 in engagement with the pinions when the device is assembled or when cap 53 is replaced after removal for any reason. This aperture lalso permits discharge of theA spare leads from" their pockets 30 without removal of cap 53 or 'the gear. An additional or outer -cap 70 is desirably also provided, which goes overa portion of cap 53 with a close tit and closes the aperture'in cap'53' and provides for the rotation of the cap and gear 51. When it is desired to use a spare lead, access may be had to i`t by'removing the outer cap 70; and loss of this capwill not affect the proper operation of the pencil.v

vProvision is also made for mounting an eraser in a position where it is convenientlyT available. For. this purpose the gear carrier or sleeve 52 is provided with a tubular extension 8O and a rubber eraser 81 is tightly but removably inserted in this extension.

Outer cap is' proportioned to enclose the eraser and isusually also provided with 'a knurled portion 71 for the convenient rotation of the inner cap or gear carrier 52. The outer cap has a fit on extension tight enough to insure the rotation ofthe gear carrier when the outer cap is turned. but at the same time the outer cap is removable by endwise movement to give access to the eraser. The spare leadsmav be removedby first removing` theeraser. In some cases the eraser may beomitted and. then either the inner or outer Vcap may have' a closed end portion fitting down close to the pinions 45 to properly enclose them and to prevent accidental discharge of the spare leads.

Thev active leads 75'and 76 are demountf ably secured insuitable grips or clutches 77 and1 78, formed lon or secured to thelower ends of stems 79 `and 80. The clutchesor grips lmay be simply in the form ofshort tubes of sheet metal provided at their lower ends with one or more slots 81, forming resilient lingers or grips which grasp the upper end ofthe lead when it is pushed into the tube. Other forms of grips or clutches may be provided if necessary or desirable.

Each of the stems 79 and 80 includes a long straight upper portion 82 and a relatively short lower portion 83, these portions being slightly offset and connected by a short crank portion 84. At the upper end each stem has a short ortion 85 extending through the correspond 39 and into the corresponding guide groove or channel 20 or 21. as best indicated in Fig.v 2. This stem portion 85 acts as an operating element or cam follower, and provides for the longitudinal and also the angular movement of the stem, as further explained below.

The active' leads-75 and 76 may in some cases be of identical character and color, and

ing cam slot 38. or

in that case a spare lead isprovided inactive worn out. But preferably the leads are of different characteristics; for instance. they may be of different degrees of hardness, or more especially they may be of dlfferent colors. sinceone important advantage of the invention is to provide diii'erent colored leads or crayons available for almost instantaneous interchange at the will of the user. s

The structure 'being assembled as shown in Fig. 1, the lead 76 which is shown in .projectedpositiom may be adjusted to make the exposed point of the lead longer or shorter, by rotating cap 53 orthe outer cap 7 0 whenlthat is provided. Angular member 85 of the corresponding stem 8O 1s at approximately the mid-length of the steep- 'pitch cam slot portion 41 and its end is in the' lower straight portion 24 of the corresponding guide channel 20. This longitudinally central location of the member 85 with respect to the cam slot and 'guide Q inderv 36 is rotating by the action of gear 51 upon its pinion 45, and the cam or screw slot 41 acts on stem member 85 to move it longitudinally, any rotation'` of the 'stem being prevented by engagement of the end of the member 85 in the straight guide channel portion 24. The rotation of the controlling member is therefore eiiective tomove stem 80 longitudinally without rotation.

Under the condition described, stem member l85 of theother stem 82 is in the upper, moderate-pitch portion 40 of the cam or screw slot 38 of the other controlling member 35, and its end is in the upper straight portion 20 of guide channel 23. Therefore, while the rotation of gear 51 also causes rotation of controlling member 35 and longitudinal movement of stem 82, this movement is of restricted amplitude and not sufficient to cause any interference between the stems or leads during adjustment of the lea-d which is in projected position.

If it is desired to interchange ythe leads, cap 53 or the outer cap 70 is simply rota-ted in an appropriate direction, which is the direction of movement for the inwardadjustment of the projected lead, and this cap rotation is continued until the projected lead is entirely withdrawn and the other lead, 75 in this instance, is proj ectedl to active position and it may'then be properly adjusted for length, either inward or outward, by proper slight rotation of the cap. ln the described continuous rotation of the cap to e'ect lead interchange` member 85 of stem 8O is pulled up without rotation of the stem until it approaches angular portion 25 of the corresponding guide channel, this longitudinal movement of the stem being quite rapid, due to the steepness of pitch of the cam slot. At the same time, member 85 of stem 79 is moved downward without stem rotation at relatively slow speed, due to the moderate pitch 40 ofthe corresponding cam slot 20. The lead-grips 77 and 7 8 are then practically opposite, and the point of lead 7 6 is withdrawn within the chamber 1,4.

Continued rotation of the cap then causes both of the members 85 to pass in opposite directions through the diagonal guide channel portions 25; and in this movement the stems 7 9 and 80 are rotated a small fraction of a turn by the combined eiiect upon the members 85 of the cam slots and the angular guide channel portions. .This slight simultaneous rotative movement of the stems is effective through the cranked portions 83 so that the leads will properly clear each other in further movement, andl especially -so that lead 75, which has previously been out of linewith point-bore 16, is brought approximately or exactly in line with it, while lead 7 6 is carried out of line with the bore, and to a point near one side 4of the chamber 14, where it is out of the way of the.

other lead, which is now to be moved to active or projected position.

Further rotation of the cap in the same direction causes lead 76 to'be rapidlymoved down into the tip bore and projected for use, and it then may be adjusted in a manner suficiently obvious from preceding explanation. Meantime lead 76 has been withdrawn to approximately the position that lead 7 5 occupies in Fig. 1, although, of course, toward the opposite side of chamber 14. In the movement of either lead to projected position, while, as above stated, it has been brought approximately-in line with the tip bore prior to enteringthe bore, itl may, nevertheless, be slightly out of line; but in that case i't is guided into the bore by the tapered inner surface of the detachable tip 15. Y A

To ieplace or change leads it is only necessary to bring one of the lead grips to approximately its lowermost position by rotation of the c-ap, whereupon the grip is eX- actly or almostexactly centered in relation to the tip bore 16, and the old lead may be removed and anew one inserted through the tip bore. VVhe-n the parts are properly proportioned the lead grip may be exactly centered by contact with the inner walls of the tip 15 adjacent to the bore, or ii' the grip is not actually in contact with the tip walls it is in any event brought to approximately centered position by the endwise movement and rotation of the stem, suiiiciently described above. I any difficulty is encountered in inserting a new lead in this manner, the tip may be unsere-wed, giving `tree access to chamber 14 and the lead grips, and especially the grip which is in the most extended position` with ample room for insertion of the lead. The mechanism may be manipulated for projection or retraction of the grips whether the tip is in position or not, or the lead may be inserted or removed Iwhen either grip 7 8 is positioned near the end orp the tip 15, without remo-ving the tip.

There is thus provided in simple and durable form a mechanism which permits either of two leads to be quickly placed in active position and adjustable for length, and which, of course, also permits both oit them to be withdrawn to safe and convenient position vwithin the pencil body when the pencil is not infuse. Other operative or manipulative advantages of the invention will be readily understood by skilled persons without further explanation.

I claim: y

1. Av pencil comprising a case, a plurality of lead carriers supported for longitudinal and rotative movement therein, each lead carrier having a cranked lower portion, and means for simultaneously moving two of the lead carriers longitudinally in opposite directions and rotating them at certain points of their longitudinal travel.

2. A pencil comprising a casing having a tip provided with a lead bore substantially7 at the case axis, a plurality of lead carriers supported forv longitudinal and rotative movement in the case, leach carrier having an offset lower portion arranged to bring a lead carried by it substantially in line with the lead bore when the ca'rrier is turned to one of its positions and means for simultaneouslyv moving two of the lead carriers longitudinally in opposite directions and rotating them at certain points of their travel, whereby the lead carried by either carrier may be projected in the axial line of the casefor use or Withdrawn to inactive position adjacent the case wall while the other lead is moved and positioned oppositely to' the one just mentioned.

3. A pencil comprising a substantiallv cylindrical case having a tip provided with a lead aperture at the case axis, a plurality of lead supporting stems guided for longi tudinal and pivotal movement within the case, each stem having an oset lower end portion and a lead grip thereon, means for partlyvrotating each stem at a certain point 1n its Vlongitudinal travel, rotary stem impeiling means co-operating with the stems to simultaneously move them longitudinally in opposite directions, and a revoluble operating member in exposed position and connected to saidimpelling means.

4. A pencil comprising a substantially cylindrical case having a tip provided with a lead aperture` at the case axis, two lead supporting stems guided for longitudinal and pivotal movement within the case, each stem'having a cranked lower end portion and a lead grip thereon, relatively lixed' means in the case for partly rotating each stem at a certain point in its longitudinal travel, rotary stem impelling means having helical channels co-operating with the stem to simultaneously move them longitudinally in o posite directions, and an operating mem erv revolubly mounted and. accessible for manipulation and connected to said impelling means.

5. A pencll `comprising a substantially cylindrical case having a tip provided with a, lead bore at the case axis, a plurality of lead support-ing stems within the case, each stem having a .cranked lower portion and a lead grip thereon, a substantially cylindrical-impeller for each stem rotatively mounted in the case, the impeller having a helical channel and the stem having a follower engaging the channel whereby the stem lis'moved longitudinally when the impeller is rotated, means cooperating with the stems to partly rotate them at predetermined points in their longitudinal travel, a revoluble operating element accessible exteriorly to the case, and means. intermediate the operatingelement and at least two of said impellers by which, whenthe operating element is rotated the im ellers are simultaneously rotated and t e corresponding lead stems are simultaneously moved longitudinally in opposite directions.

6. A pencil comprisingi a substantially lead'supporting stems withinthe ca se each stem'yhav'ing a cranked lower portion and a lead grip thereon, a substantially cylinmounted in the case, the impeller having 'a helical channel and the stem having a follower engaging the channel whereby the stem is moved longitudinally when the in;` .peller is rotated, relatively fixed means co` operating with the stems to partl rotate them at predetermined points'in t e lon tudinal travel, a revoluble operating e ement accessible for manipulation exteriorly of the case, and gearing intermediate the operating element and at least two of said impellers by which,4 when the operating element is rotated the impellers'are simultaneously rotated and the corresponding lead stems are simultaneously moved long-. tudinally in opposite directions. v

7. A pencil comprising a substantially cylindrical case having a tip provided with a lead bore at the case axis, two impellers rotatively mounted in the case andv each having a helical channel, lead supportin stems corresponding impeller channel, relatively fixed means co-operating with the stems Jfor guiding and partly rotating them at predetermined points of their.' longitudi. nal movement, an operating member revolubly mounted on the case and exposed for convenient manipulation, a vgear connected to said operating member, and a-pinion on each of the impellers engaging the gear, whereby, when the operating member is rotated, the impellers are simultaneously rotated, and one lead stem is movedl lengthwise and angularly to project the lead carried by it through'the lead bore, while the other stem is retracted and its lead is moved to inactive position near the case wall, reverse movement of the operating member serving a yhelical channel, lead supporting stems corresponding to the impellers and having portions extending therethrough, each stem also having a follower engaging in the corresponding impeller channel, relatively fixed longitudinal guide channelshaving diagonal portions and co-operating with the stems for guiding-and partl rotating them at predetermined points o their longitudinal movement, anf operating memberrevolubly mounted on the case, and exposed for convenient manipulation, a gear connected to said operating member, and a pinion on each of. the impellers engaging the gear, whereby, -when the operating member is rotated, the impellers are simultaneously rotated, and one lead stem is moved lengthcranked lower portion and a lead grip thereon, a substantially cylindrical impeller mounted for rotation in the case and having a helical channel, the lead carrier having a member engaging said channel whereby the carrier is moved longitudinally upon rotation of the impeller, a relatively fixed guide channel in the case co-operating with the lead carrier to prevent rotation thereof during parts of its longitudinal travel and to move the carrier rotatively at a certain point, and a revoluble operating member in externally accessible position on the case and connected with the impeller to rotate the same.

l0. A pencil comprising a case, a lead carrier stein having a cranked lower portion and a lead grip thereon, a substantially cylindrical impeller mounted for rotation in the case and having a helical channel, the lead stem passing through the impeller and having a member engaging said channel whereby the stem is moved 'longitudinally upon rotation of the impeller, and a relatively fixed guide channel in the case cooperating with the lead stem to prevent rotation thereof during, parts of its longitudinal travel and to rotate the stem at an intermediate point in its longitudinal travel..

ll. A. writing implement comprising a casing including a chamber, a plurality of lead holders in the chamber, each adapted to support a lead in condition for active use, a rotary impeller foreach lead holder, cooperative meansprovided in said impeller and a relatively fixed element in the casing to advance or retract the corresponding lead upon rotative movement of the impeller,

Isaid impellers being provided near one end of the casing with pinions, and a gear rotatively mounted on the casing and engaging the pinions for moving the impellers simultaneously. Y

12. A writing implement comprising a casing including a chamber, a revoluble operating member, two lead holders in the chamber each adapted to support a lead'in condition for active use, a rotary impeller for each lead holder, cooperative means in said impeller and arelatively fixed element in the casing to move the lead holders simultaneously in opposite longitudinal directions upon rotative movement of said impellers, and means for partly rotating each lead holder at an intermediate point of its longitudinal'travel.

tudinal to-and-fro movement in parallel l.

relation within the impellers, a lead grip on the lower end of each stem, and means for rotating the impellers simultaneously.

' 14. An adjustable pencil comprising a casing, two revoluble iuipellers therein, a guide member providing means for the revoluble mounting of the impellers, each impeller and an adjacent part of the guide member being provided with co-operating channels, a stem for each impeller having a portion engaging the channel in said im# peller and the corres monding channel in the guide member, a lead grip on the lower end of each stem, a pinion secured on the upper end of each impeller, a gear engaging both of the pinions and rotatively mounted in relation to the casing, and a cap secured to move with the gear and having an exposed portion for manipulation. l5. An adjustable pencil comprising a casing, two revoluble impellers therein, a

guide member providing means for the revoluble mounting of the impellers, each impeller and an adjacent part of the guide 4member being provided with co-operating channels, a stem corresponding to each impeller and having a portion engaging the impeller channel and the corresponding channel in the guide member, a lower portion of each stem being odset in relation to its upper portion, a lead grip on the lower end of each stem, and means for rotating the impellers simultaneously.

16. An adjustable pencil comprising a tubular casing, a guide member located in an upper portion thereof, the guide member being formed with two opposite cylindrical chambers, a cylindrical impeller revolubly mounted in each of the chambers and provided with a screwslot having portions of different pitches, the uide member being provided adjacent eadli impeller with a guide channel having oifset upper andl lower portions and an angular connecting portion, a stem having a portion movable longi- -tudinally in' a .central bore of each impeller and also having a portion extending through the screw slot of the impeller and engaging in the adjacent guide channel, each stem having a cranked lower portion, a lead grip at-the lower end of each cranked ortion, and means including an exposed nger-grip vportion for simultaneously ro tating the impellers to project or retract either of the leads with simultaneous opposite movement of the other, and to ad just the length of either lead when projecteda 17. In a pencil or similar structure, a tubular casing, an actuating member mounted for rotation therein, said member having a screw slot, a relatively stationary guide channel having straight upper and lower portions and an angular connecting portion, and a stem provided with an otlset lead grip and having a member co-operating with said screw slot and channel.

18. In a pencil or similar structure, a tubular casing, an actuating vmember mounted for rotation therein, said member-having a screw slot, a. relatively stationary guide channel having straight upper and lower portions and an angular connecting portion, and a stem provided with a lead holder and having a portion co-operating with said screw slot and guide channel and also having its lower portion otl'set.

19. In a pencil or similar structure, a tubular casing, a long cylindrical actuating; member mounted for rotation therein, said member having a screw slot, a relatively stationary guide channel having straight upper and lower portions and an angular connecting portion, andI a lead holder arranged to support an active lead in the casing and also having a portion co-operating with said screw slot and guide channel upon rotation of the actuating member to 'move the lead holder longitudinally and at a certain oint to move it angularly.

20. An a justable pencil comprising a tubular casing, a plurality of lead holders therein, means for adjusting the lead holdm ers longitudinally of the casing to project and retract the eads, a rotatable member at one end of the casing for operating said adjusting means, said rotatable member having a tubular extension, an eraser removablymountecl in said extension and a removable outer cap engaging the rotatable member to rotate the same and also enclosing the eraser.

Signed at New York city, in the county of New York and State of New York, this 23rd day of February, A. D. 1924.

FRANK FUREDY. 

